Caxton Steet: A Choose Your Own Adventure

Caxton Street, Caxton Street, light of my life, fire of my loins. The one street in Brisbane that offers everything from a dirty grind on a dirtier dance floor to a top shelf martini partnered with slightly pretentious atmosphere. Caxton Street truly is a Brisbane icon, and its recent Bruce Jenner-ous facelift has secured its place as a hub begging to be conquered — it's all up to you what adventure you choose to take in doing so.

STATLER AND WALDORF

There’s no better way to start a night on the town than with a tummy with full of grub, and an outfit that screams I’m here for a good time. Bypass the bundle of Barracks restaurants – you think you can afford them but you can’t, and head south to one of Caxton’s newest joints, Statler and Waldorf. They’ve only been open for a couple of months, but they’re already one of the busiest bars in town. We suggest you make a booking to avoid morbid disappointment, and as far as ordering goes, choose something that’s bustling with meat, a verjuice and grab a side of chips to line your stomach with a carb-based tolerance for the drinking that will succeed. You can’t go wrong with a gin and freshly squeezed apple juice, and if the Stat is feeling fancy enough, they’ll even throw a few raspberries in the mix.

If you’re feeling full and need a sit after your meal, head straight across the road to Brewski, or if the groove genes are kicking in, head on up to Lefty’s.

25 Caxton Street

BREWSKI

Brewski are those new kids on the block that have just perfected dining and drinking to a tee. With a tap selection that combines the boutique with blokey, and selection of cheap eats. No doubt, in your crowd, they’ll be at least one whose still up for more of a feed. Grab him a $10 pizza, throw him in the corner with it, and wait in anticipation for them to return with a blazing smile and the perseverance to move on. If you’re content with this pub crawlesque tangent you’ve worked your way in to then trek up to Cartel, otherwise it’s Lefty’s time.

22 Caxton Street

CARTEL

Cartel provides a brilliant fusion of beer, beards and nana style seating. By now you’re probably starting to feel a little greasy, there’s a probably a few hairs out of place, and your dignity’s bordering destruction – time for shots. Ask Flynn – the one with the mo, or Noah – the one with the beard, for a good ol’ fashion American shot, and they’ll probably plate up something that looks dangerous and tastes just as scary – rest assured though, you’re in good hands. This little bar is a Caxton old boy, and as such has a cozy feel you’re not going to find most anywhere else on the street. If after a shot or five you’re ready for something a bit harder, head straight to Lefty’s, or if you’re feeling like a seedier crowd could do you well, then Casablanca is your man.

1/2 Caxton Street

LEFTY'S OLD TIME MUSIC HALL

Lefty’s may just be the best place in Brisbane for a groove – possibly the best in Queensland, maybe even the world. You can have a nice sit, listen to the live blues roots band, and dance amongst a crowd that strays sporadically between party-hoppers, princesses and parents. Rumour has it, that if a girl throws their bra on one of the mounted animal heads they get free drinks all night. If you feel this is a viable means of retaining your semi-secure financial status, maybe you should cut your loses and head straight to Casablanca, if not, stay here, rock on and end the night on a boot scooting high.

15 Caxton Street

CASABLANCA

One word, four syllables – Ka-ra-o-ke! It’s your time to shine, and there’s an audience of hazy, blood shot eyes, waiting to hear your voice. Whether it’s reminding everyone it’s your life, and it’s never with a bit of Bon Jovi, or a tear jerking rendition of Wuthering Heights, belt out the last of your energy in true, nasty Caxton Street style. Once you’re exhausted all your talent, why not weigh up your food options from our list below, return to Cartel for a night cap, or head straight to a taxi.

52 Petrie Terrace

FOOD

By now u r drank, but u dnt care becoz fr[ends n fud are everything and lyf will be okay rite. But existential crisis aside, you should definitely have a bite. Harry’s Fine Foods, colloquially know as Dirty Harry’s, isn’t really as dirty as it sounds when it’s 2am and all you want in life is a corn dog with some tomato sauce, if not there’s an Oz-Kebabs that no doubt aligns perfectly with your New Year’s diet. Brat Haus is neatly tucked between The Caxton and The Suncorp Merchandise store, and if you ask with a please and thank you they’ll grill you a hunger busting German sausage and give you free reign on the mustard. If this proves to be your last supper on Caxton Street, it’s time to call a cab, if not, try your luck getting in to Lefty’s, Casablanca or the Caxton again.

Caxton Street

The taxi queue is in front of The Caxton. We hope you enjoyed your stay.